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Posted on: January 31, 2018

City launching new emergency alert system

As of Wednesday, January 31, the City of Independence has officially launched an enhanced citizen alert service to be used in times of emergency. The new notification system will allow the City to communicate quickly and efficiently with community residents before, during and after a local emergency situation.

In order to receive important communications through this system, citizens must provide their contact information via an online registration process. A link to the registration site can be found on the City’s website at www.independenceks.gov.

The system will allow City officials to communicate via email, SMS, voice calls and social media platforms, according to the preference selected upon registration. On the registration site, participants also will have an opportunity to sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service.

“We’re pleased to offer this enhanced communication system to ensure we are equipped to disseminate critical information and regular updates in the event of a natural disaster, weather emergency or other community crisis,” said David Cowan, director of Safety and Code Enforcement. “At times, we may also use the system to provide routine communications when mass notification is necessary.”

Cowan said the new system replaces the former “Nixle” notification system, and contact information currently stored in the Nixle database will not automatically transfer to the new system. Therefore, it is important that citizens log in to the above-mentioned site to register their current contact information.

Anyone with questions about the new system or needing assistance with registration may contact Cowan at 620-332-2528.

Cowan also noted that the City will continue to use multiple other outlets for emergency communications, including local and area media, the City’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account, the local community cable television channel (Channel 65) and via the loudspeaker system integrated with tornado sirens throughout town.